The BOSS

Tommy Lee Jones is everywhere in Japan. He's on TV, billboards, and especially vending machines. The first time I saw his leathery scowl was on the inside of a passenger train. A poster-sized ad by the exit door pictured a dispassionate Mr. Jones with a "ya godda problem with that?" expression on his craggy face and simply the word BOSS in bold letters stamped above some canned drinks. I had never heard of the product, nor did I know what it was. But, as I said, he was everywhere and it was not long before I sampled BOSS. It's a coffee-flavored beverage in a can.
















Apparently, it's an effective campaign. Mr. Jones has been the front man for the Suntory Boss drink for a couple of years now. He has a string of about a dozen commercials touting the product. The Japanese must love that face.
















On the way to the train station today I came across this vending machine that dispenses BOSS. It was set up around the corner of a small shop just off the sidewalk, I had never noticed it before. Like Tommy Lee, this machine does its thankless job looking as tough as its unkempt surroundings. It just plain ain't pretty..., and that's what makes it attractive. It isn't like all the others.

Here's one of the BOSS commercials from TV. Don't ask me to translate, but for $7.50 postage I'll send you can.